Real algebraic geometry for matrices over commutative rings (Q1758260)

The article under review presents a comprehensive study of preorderings on matrix rings of the form \(M_n(R)\), where \(R\) is an arbitrary unital commutative ring, with special emphasis given to matrix polynomial rings \(M_n({\mathbb R}[X_1,\ldots,X_g])\). Given a set of symmetric matrices \(G\subseteq M_n(R)\), the author defines the preordering \(T_G\) generated by \(G\) to be the smallest quadratic module containing \(G\), whose scalar elements are closed under multiplication. This allows the author to give abstract intersection theorems which are then used to give an Artin-Lang homomorphism theorem for matrix polynomials, and various Positivstellensätze. The latter unify several important existing results, e.g. \textit{J. L. Krivine}'s [J. Anal. Math. 12, 307--326 (1964; Zbl 0134.03902)] and the Gondard-Ribenboim matrix version [\textit{D. Gondard} and \textit{P. Ribenboim}, Bull. Sci. Math., II. Ser. 98, 49--56 (1974; Zbl 0298.12104)] of Hilbert's 17th problem. This carefully written paper contains many instructive examples illustrating the theory developed.